In this photo released by the Brazilian Football Confederation, CBF, Brazil's soccer player Neymar undergoes physical and medical exams at the Granja Comary training center, in Teresopolis, Brazil, Tuesday, May 22, 2018. Neymar will be expected to play about 45 minutes of the friendly against Croatia in Liverpool on June 3, the first of two for Brazil before the World Cup. (Lucas Figueiredo/CBF via AP)

How Fran Karacic ended up playing for the Socceroos

The defender has strong ties with Croatia but is on the verge of representing Australia on the biggest stage

How Fran Karacic ended up playing for the Socceroos

The defender has strong ties with Croatia but is on the verge of representing Australia on the biggest stage

How Fran Karacic ended up playing for the Socceroos

The defender has strong ties with Croatia but is on the verge of representing Australia on the biggest stage

Juventus' Mario Mandzukic heads the ball next to teammate Alex Sandro, during a Serie A soccer match between Roma and Juventus, at the Rome Olympic stadium, Sunday, May 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

The Real Madrid and Barcelona stars will battle for a place in the Blazer’s squad for the football competition which kicks off in June

WORLD CUP: Tactical tinkering unsettling Mexico players

In this image taken on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 Mexico head coach Juan Carlos Osorio watches play during the second half of an international friendly soccer match against Croatia in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, March 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)

WORLD CUP: Tactical tinkering unsettling Mexico players

In this image taken on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 Mexico forward Javier Hernandez jogs across the field talking to an official, not pictured, during a international friendly soccer match against Croatia in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, March 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

WORLD CUP: Tactical tinkering unsettling Mexico players

In this image taken on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa makes a save a shot by Croatia in the first half of a friendly soccer match in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, March 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

WORLD CUP: Tactical tinkering unsettling Mexico players

In this image taken on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 Mexico forward Raul Jimenez handles the ball during a international friendly soccer match against Croatia in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, March 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

WORLD CUP: Tiny Iceland continues to live the dream

FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 file photo, Iceland's Aron Gunnarsson, left, is challenged by Croatia's Vedran Corluka during the World Cup Group I qualifying soccer match between Croatia and Iceland, at Maksimir stadium in Zagreb, Croatia. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic, File)

WORLD CUP: Star-studded Croatia has potential to shine

FILE - In this photo taken on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic watches play during the second half of an international friendly soccer match against Mexico in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)

WORLD CUP: Star-studded Croatia has potential to shine

In this Photo taken on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic, foreground, leads an attack as Mexico midfielder Jorge Hernandez, right, gives chase during the first half of an international friendly soccer match in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

WORLD CUP: Star-studded Croatia has potential to shine

FILE - In this Saturday, June 25, 2016 filer, m Croatia's Ivan Perisic controls the ball during the Euro 2016 round of 16 soccer match between Croatia and Portugal at the Bollaert stadium in Lens, France. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

WORLD CUP: Star-studded Croatia has potential to shine

FILE - In this photo taken on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic watches play during the second half of an international friendly soccer match against Mexico in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)

WORLD CUP: Star-studded Croatia has potential to shine

FILE - In this Friday, June 17, 2016 filer, Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic kicks the ball during the Euro 2016 Group D soccer match between the Czech Republic and Croatia at the Geoffroy Guichard stadium in Saint-Etienne, France. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

WORLD CUP: Star-studded Croatia has potential to shine

FILE - In this photo taken on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, the starters for Croatia pose for a photo before an international friendly soccer match against Mexico in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)

WORLD CUP: Star-studded Croatia has potential to shine

FILE - In this photo taken on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic makes a pass under pressure from Mexico midfielder Rodolfo Pizarro, left, during a international friendly soccer match in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Liverpool face anxious wait on Lovren news after untimely knock

Jurgen Klopp says he does not yet know the extent of an injury suffered by the Croatia international defender during a 3-0 victory over Bournemouth

Nigeria v Croatia in Kaliningrad: Win a trip to Russia with Coca Cola

Gernot Rohr's men would aspire to begin their World Cup campaign on a winning note when they face the Europeans who are making their fourth appearance

Nigeria v Croatia in Kaliningrad: Win a trip to Russia with Coca Cola

Gernot Rohr's men would aspire to begin their World Cup campaign on a winning note when they face the Europeans who are making their fourth appearance

Nigeria v Croatia in Kaliningrad: Win a trip to Russia with Coca Cola

Gernot Rohr's men would aspire to begin their World Cup campaign on a winning note when they face the Europeans who are making their fourth appearance

Nigeria v Croatia in Kaliningrad: Win a trip to Russia with Coca Cola

Gernot Rohr's men would aspire to begin their World Cup campaign on a winning note when they face the Europeans who are making their fourth appearance

Nigeria v Croatia in Kaliningrad: Win a trip to Russia with Coca Cola

Gernot Rohr's men would aspire to begin their World Cup campaign on a winning note when they face the Europeans who are making their fourth appearance

Nigeria v Croatia in Kaliningrad: Win a trip to Russia with Coca Cola

Gernot Rohr's men would aspire to begin their World Cup campaign on a winning note when they face the Europeans who are making their fourth appearance

PBX21. Carson (United States), 31/03/2018.- Los Angeles Galaxy Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden (R) and Los Angeles Football Club Dejan Jakovic of Croatia (L) greet each other in second half action at StubHub Center in Carson, California, USA 31 March 2018. Ibrahimovic made two goals including the game-winner in his Los Angeles Galaxy debut. (Croacia, Suecia, Estados Unidos) EFE/EPA/PAUL BUCK

PBX21. Carson (United States), 31/03/2018.- Los Angeles Galaxy Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden (R) and Los Angeles Football Club Dejan Jakovic of Croatia (L) greet each other in second half action at StubHub Center in Carson, California, USA 31 March 2018. Ibrahimovic made two goals including the game-winner in his Los Angeles Galaxy debut. (Croacia, Suecia, Estados Unidos) EFE/EPA/PAUL BUCK

Rakitic's penalty kick in 2nd half lifts Croatia past Mexico

Croatia forward Andrej Kramaric (9) and Mexico midfielder Hirving Lozano (8) compete for control of the ball during the first half of an international friendly soccer match in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, March 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Mexico forward Javier Hernandez (14) shouts in the direction of an official after an attack on the Croatia goal in the first half of a friendly soccer match in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, March 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Rakitic's penalty kick in 2nd half lifts Croatia past Mexico

CORRECTS DATE OF PHOTO - Mexico defender Hugo Ayala (4) defends as Croatia defender Vedran Corluka (5) heads to ball at the net off a corner kick in the first half of a friendly soccer match in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, March 27, 2018. The shot by Corluka did not score. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Rakitic's penalty kick in 2nd half lifts Croatia past Mexico

A member of the staff checks on Mexico defender Nstor Araujo (2) after Araujo suffered a leg injury in the first half of a friendly soccer match against Croatia in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, March 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Rakitic's penalty kick in 2nd half lifts Croatia past Mexico

Mexico defender Nstor Araujo (2) passes the ball back to the goalie in the first half of a friendly soccer match as Croatia forward Ante Rebic (18) watches in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, March 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Rakitic's penalty kick in 2nd half lifts Croatia past Mexico

CORRECTS DATE OF PHOTO - Mexico defender Nstor Araujo (2) passes the ball back to the goalie in the first half of a friendly soccer match as Croatia forward Ante Rebic (18) watches in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, March 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Rakitic's penalty kick in 2nd half lifts Croatia past Mexico

CORRECTS DATE OF PHOTO - Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa (13) talks to defender Nestor Araujo as he is carried off the field after suffering a leg injury during the first half of a friendly soccer match against Croatia in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, March 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Rakitic's penalty kick in 2nd half lifts Croatia past Mexico

CORRECTS DATE OF PHOTO - Mexico forward Carlos Vela, front, and Croatia forward Josip Pivaric, rear, compete for control of the ball in the first half of a friendly soccer match in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, March 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Rakitic's penalty kick in 2nd half lifts Croatia past Mexico

CORRECTS DATE OF PHOTO - A member of the staff checks on Mexico defender Nstor Araujo (2) after Araujo suffered a leg injury in the first half of a friendly soccer match against Croatia in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, March 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Rakitic's penalty kick in 2nd half lifts Croatia past Mexico

Mexico defender Hugo Ayala (4) defends as Croatia defender Vedran Corluka (5) heads to ball at the net off a corner kick in the first half of a friendly soccer match in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, March 25, 2018. The shot by Corluka did not score. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Rakitic's penalty kick in 2nd half lifts Croatia past Mexico

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa (13) talks to defender Nstor Araujo as he is carried off the field after suffering a leg injury in the first half of a friendly soccer match against Croatia in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, March 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Rakitic's penalty kick in 2nd half lifts Croatia past Mexico

CORRECTS DATE OF PHOTO - Mexico forward Javier Hernandez (14) shouts in the direction of an official after an attack on the Croatia goal in the first half of a friendly soccer match in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, March 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Rakitic's penalty kick in 2nd half lifts Croatia past Mexico

Croatia forward Andrej Kramaric (9) and Mexico midfielder Hirving Lozano (8) compete for control of the ball in the first half of a friendly soccer match in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, March 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Domagoj Vida #21 of Croatia and Tin Jedvaj #13 of Croatia hug after the 1-0 win over Mexico in an intetnational friendly soccer match at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Hector Moreno #15 of Mexico goes to kick the ball during an international friendly soccer match against Croatia at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic #12 of Croatia watches the ball after knocking away a shot by Mexico in the second half of an international friendly soccer match at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Domagoj Vida #21 of Croatia and Javier Hernandez #14 of Mexico pursue the ball in the second half of an international friendly soccer match at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Raul Jimenez #9 of Mexico and Marko Rog #15 of Croatia battle for the ball in the second half of an intetnational friendly soccer match at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Ante Rebic #18 of Croatia challenges Carlos Vela #11 of Mexico for the ball in the second half of an international friendly soccer match at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Domagoj Vida #21 of Croatia and Filip Bradaric #24 of Croatia pursue Hirving Lozano #8 of Mexico in the second half of an internatonal friendly soccer match at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Hirving Lozano #8 of Mexico gets tripped up by Domagoj Vida #21 of Croatia and Filip Bradaric #24 of Croatia in the second half of an international friendly soccer match at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Domagoj Vida #21 of Croatia and Filip Bradaric challenge Hirving Lozano #8 of Mexico for the ball in the second half of an intetnational friendly soccer match at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Croatia celebrates a goal by Ivan Rakitic of Croatia on a penalty kick in the second half of an international friendly match agaisnt Mexico at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Ivan Rakitic #7 of Croatia scores against goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa #13 of Mexico on a penalty kick in the second half of an international friendly soccer match at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Ivan Rakitic #7 of Croatia scores against goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa #13 of Mexico on a penalty kick in the second half of an international friendly soccer match at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Milan Badelj #19 of Croatia challenges Carlos Vela #11 of Mexico for the ball in the second half of an international friendly soccer match at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Milan Badelj #19 of Croatia attmept to get the ball away from Carlos Vela #11 of Mexico in the second half of an international soccer friendly match at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Diego Reyes #5 of Mexico and Domagoj Vida #21 of Croatia fight for the corner kick in the second half of an international friendly soccer match at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Diego Reyes #5 of Mexico defends as Ante Rebic #18 of Croatia tries to set up a shot in an international friendly soccer match at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Diego Reyes #5 of Mexico challenges Ante Rebic #18 of Croatia as he attempts a shot on goal in the first half of an internationial friendly soccer match at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Javier Hernandez #14 of Mexico reacts to the referee after a play during an international friendly soccer match against Croatia at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Mateo Kovacic #8 of Croatia tries to control the ball during an international friendly soccet match against Mexico at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Diego Reyes #5 of Mexico and Hugo Ayala #4 of Mexico compete for the corner kick shot agaisnt Domagoj Vida #21 of Croatia and Verdan Corluka #5 of Croatia the first half of an international friendly soccer match at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Hector Moreno #15 of Mexico and Marko Pjaca #20 of Croatia battle for the ball in the first half of an international friendly soccer match at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa #13 of Mexico throws the ball in during an international friendly soccer match against Croatia at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Sime Vrsaljko #2 of Croatia tries to get control of the ball during an international friendly soccer match against Mexico at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Goakeeper Guillermo Ochoa #13 of Mexico talks to teammate Nestor Araujo #2 of Mexico as he was taken off the field during the first half of an intenational friendly soccer match at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Ivan Rakitic #7 of Croatia and Omar Govea #20 of Mexico try for the header in an international friendly soccer match at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mexico v Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Fans cheer for Mexico during an international friendly soccer match against Croatia at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

LIVE: Mexico vs Croatia

Juan Carlos Osorio's side takes on the European outfit in Texas. Follow along LIVE with Goal

LIVE: Mexico vs Croatia

Juan Carlos Osorio's side takes on the European outfit in Texas. Follow along LIVE with Goal

Rakitic penalty the difference as Croatia tops Mexico

Juan Carlos Osorio's side came up short against the European outfit, losing 1-0 with the Barcelona midfielder netting from the spot

Chicharito, Lozano return to Mexico starting lineup to face Croatia

Juan Carlos Osorio looks to be planning a 3-4-3 with a star-studded attacking trio getting the nod in the XI

Chicharito, Lozano return to Mexico starting lineup to face Croatia

Juan Carlos Osorio looks to be planning a 3-4-3 with a star-studded attacking trio getting the nod in the XI

Rakitic: No Mexico player can match Messi

The Croatia midfielder said his Barcelona teammate is the best player in history but knows World Cup group opponent Argentina boasts other challenges

Croatia confident it can challenge Mexico despite lack of stars

With six top players not traveling for Tuesday's friendly, the Europeans' depth will be tested and they feel they are up to the challenge

Mexico national team to face Rakitic, but most Croatia stars head home

The Barcelona midfielder is one of few players for The Blazers traveling to Texas for Tuesday's friendly against El Tri

Hector Herrera out for Mexico friendlies vs. Iceland, Croatia

The Porto midfielder has picked up a knock and will miss the matches, though he's likely to stay with the national team

Mexico announces roster changes ahead of March friendly matches

Three players will be unable to face Iceland and are doubts for Croatia, while a Chivas center back has been added to the team